ES2313193T3 - SANITARY FAUCET WITH AN AUGA FLOW LIMITER. - Google Patents

Abstract

The sanitary fitting (1) has a water flow limiter (9) consisting of an actuating element (10), with which it can be engaged or disengaged. The water flow limiter limits the magnitude of water to a value which is lying under the maximum value. The actuating element is arranged in or on control element (5) and is accessible from outside.

Description

Sanitary faucet with a flow limiter Water.

The invention concerns a sanitary faucet, especially a mixer mixer battery, with an element of operation with which a water flow can be adjusted, and a limiter of water flow that limits water flow to a value located by below the maximum value.

In known sanitary fittings of this class water flow limiters materialize by means of a fitting device that is fixedly fixed in the cartridge control and that is permanently activated. This is not it visible or accessible from outside. Therefore, the user does not receive here an information on the operation of the flow limiter of water nor can it influence it. EP 0 643 246 A1 reveals a sanitary tap according to the preamble of the claim 1.

The purpose of the present invention is to set up a sanitary faucet of the class mentioned at the beginning of so that the user can recognize the operation of the limiter of the water flow and also influence it.

This problem is solved according to the invention by means of the features of claim 1.

Therefore, according to the invention, the limiter of the water flow, in its assembled state, can be connected and / or disconnected by the user.

To clearly increase driving comfort, an advantageous embodiment provides that the maneuvering element is arranged in or on the operating element in an accessible way from outside. The advantage lies here in that the flow limiter of water can be connected or disconnected without, for example, being have to remove the operating element or have to open the sanitary faucet housing.

A first part of the flow limiter of water, specifically the part that presents the maneuvering element, it is arranged in or on the operating element, and a second part of the water flow limiter is arranged in a space of housing for a spherical bell that covers the cartridge control. In this way, the maneuvering element is easily accessible. In addition, the user associates with the element anyway operating a device to vary the faucet settings sanitary

It is especially space economizer that the operating element of the water flow limiter be rotating around a virtual axis of rotation to activate or deactivate said water flow limiter.

Alternatively, the maneuvering element can be a pressure maneuvering element and may have the capacity to move linearly to activate or deactivate the limiter of the water flow. An accessible pressure maneuvering element from the outside it is advantageous especially for users with motor disability.

Water flow limiter installation can be perceived with special clarity by the user when said water flow limiter present a device of insert made especially with two stages.

In an embodiment technically simple and especially advantageous the insertion device it presents an insertion core and an insertion element with a cooperating insertion groove with the insertion core. Both at retract the core from one side of the slot as when extending this soul of enclave on the other side of said groove has to overcome a mechanical resistance, so that You get a two stage insert device.

If a rotating maneuvering element is used, it is convenient that the insertion element has substantially on one side of its axis of vertical rotation a projection on which it is The groove formed. By turning around the axis of rotation the protrusion element moves in the direction of the soul of insertion or in the sense of moving away from it and, therefore, activates or deactivates the water flow limiter.

Alternatively, the insert element can comprise a prestressed angular element with at least one elbow and the slot can be arranged in the area of the elbow. Varying the angle of the angular element, especially making swing your wings one in relation to another, the elbow that hugs the insertion groove can be displaced especially simple in the direction of the socket to activate the limiter of the flow of water or it can be removed from that soul in order to disable said limiter.

To be able to adjust a large water flow when the water flow limiter is also activated, advantageously at least a part of the water flow limiter that presents an element of insertion is elastic, with what can overcome a mechanical resistance caused by this limiter by tilting the operating element.

To inform the user about the use of water flow limitation, water flow limiter can present an emitter of optical and / or acoustic signals with the which emits a corresponding signal when a resistance is overcome mechanics caused by it.

In addition, it is convenient that the limiter of the water flow present an operating indicator device with which the user is informed, for example, about the flow of adjusted water. For this purpose, for example, a light emitting diode that lights up as soon as it has expired the mechanical resistance caused by the water flow limiter and to signal so that a large water flow reigns. How alternatively, a pin with a ring of color, for example in the handling element. However, it can a sight glass with an air bubble in a liquid which, depending on the position of the control element, is associated to a "saving" or "a lot of water" field in the peephole. Instead of the air bubble can also be arranged in the sight glass a ball with an eccentric center of gravity that is printed, by example, with the figures 1 and 2 and that, depending on the position of the element command, indicate one of the two figures in the peephole.

They are explained in more detail below Examples of embodiment of the invention using the drawing; show:

Figure 1, schematically, an axial section through a first embodiment of a battery mixer mixer, in which a water flow limiter it has a rotating maneuver element and an insert element open;

Figure 2, schematically, a view of detail of the mixer mixer battery represented in the figure 1 in the water flow limiter zone, which is here activated;

Figure 3, schematically, a view of detail of the mixer mixer battery represented in the figure 1 in the water flow limiter zone, which is here disabled;

Figure 4, schematically, the limiter of the water flow represented in figure 3, in section;

Figure 5, schematically, the front elevation of the water flow limiter shown in Figure 3;

Figure 6, schematically, an axial section through a second embodiment of a battery mixer mixer, in which a water flow limiter it has a rotating maneuver element and an insert element closed;

Figure 7, schematically, a view of detail of the mixer mixer battery represented in the figure 6 in the water flow limiter zone, which is here activated;

Figure 8, schematically, an axial section through a third embodiment of a battery single lever mixer with a water flow limiter that features a maneuvering element by maneuvering pressure only once and a sliding insert element;

Figure 9, schematically, a view of detail of the mixer mixer battery represented in the figure 8 in the water flow limiter zone, which is here disabled;

Figure 10, schematically, a view of detail of the mixer mixer battery represented in the figure 8 in the water flow limiter zone, which is here disabled; Y

Figure 11, schematically, a section axial through a fourth embodiment of a battery single lever mixer with a water flow limiter that features a pressure maneuvering element.

A first example is shown in figure 1 of realization of a mixer mixer mixer provided in set of reference symbol 1 and equipped with a mixer control 5.

In a housing 2 of the mixer battery Single lever 1 is provided with a control cartridge 3 whose Operation is itself known.

The housing space of the cartridge control 3 in the housing 2 is closed up in figure 1 with a spherical bell 4, more specifically hemispherical. At upper side of the spherical bell 4 an opening 6 is arranged Of the same.

The mixer control 5 presents in the area of the spherical bell 4, on its lower side in figure 1, a section of lid 7 that joins this bell forming a single piece. The stretch of cover 7 has approximately the shape of a hollow cylinder whose diameter is somewhat larger than the diameter of the spherical bell 4.

In addition, in the center of the cover section 7 a housing 8 of adjusting rod joins forming a single piece to the bottom side of mixer control 5. This housing extends from above through the opening 6 of the spherical bell and receives from below a setting rod not shown from the cartridge of control 3. The housing 8 of the adjusting rod is fitted with known way, inside the control cartridge 3, with possibility of tilting horizontally, in a rotating part that in turn it can rotate around the axis of said control cartridge 3.

Making it tilt or turn the knob Mixer 5 varies the water flow or water temperature.

The dimensions and positions of the bell spherical 4, of the cover section 7 and of the housing 8 of the stem adjustment and position of the horizontal tilt shaft of adjustment are adapted to each other so that, by tilting the mixer control 5, the annular front side - bottom in figure 1 - of the cover section 7 be guided a small distance along of the surface of the spherical bell 4. Thus, in any position of the mixer control 5 the opening 6 of the hood is hidden spherical through the cover section 7.

In the area of the lower front side - left in figure 1 - of the cover section 7, on this side a Water flow limiter 9.

Water flow limiter 9 is represented in detail in figure 2 in the activated state and in the Figure 3 in deactivated state.

The water flow limiter 9 has a turning element 10 which is arranged in the section of lid 7, and a soul element 11 which in figure 2 protrudes from the left surface of the spherical bell 4.

The stretch of soul 11 extends approximately centered on figure 1 in horizontal direction at least along from the left part of the surface of the spherical bell 4 over an angle such that it corresponds to the possible angle of rotation of the mixer control 5 during temperature regulation.

The maneuvering element 10 per turn is represented enlarged in section in figure 4 and in plan view in figure 5. It presents a base body 12 circular in shape in the plan view of figure 5. The base body 12 is joined in Figure 4 bottom right and top right, in position horizontal, paths retention souls 13 and 14 made substantially in the form of a parallelepiped. With the souls of retention 13, 14 the base body 12 is maintained in the section of cover 7 (figures 2, 3).

The holding souls 13, 14 each have of them on its side away from the other retention soul corresponding an elastic fin 15. The fins 15 protrude from retaining souls 13, 14 to the left in figure 4 forming a single piece and enclosing an angle of approximately 30th.

The lower retention core 13 in Figure 4 makes transition on its right front side to an element of elastic insert 10 that is free at one end.

A first zone 16a of the insert 16 runs in a direction perpendicular to the retention soul 13. This is extends in figure 4 approximately to a virtual axis of rotation 17 of the turn maneuvering element 10 extending through the center of the base body 12 of circular shape. The element of insert 16 presents there an elbow to the right of approximately 30 °, to which a projection 22 comprising three other zones 16b, 16c and 16d.

The elbow to the right is followed by the second zone 16b also straight, whose length corresponds approximately half the radius of the base body 12.

The third zone 16c joins the second zone 16b after an elbow to the left that forms an angle obtuse.

The third zone 16c is precisely so long which in figure 4 ends approximately at the height of the soul of upper retention 14. Presents approximately one center concave cavity, considered from the right in figure 4, the which has the function of a groove 18. This cavity cooperates with the insertion core 11 of the spherical bell 4.

The free end 16d of the third zone 16c is curved to the left in figure 4, so that the element of insert 16 ends there with a rounding.

The base body 12 has approximately the Shape of a convex lens.

On its left surface in Figure 4 is a vertical slot 28 is made. The slot 28 can be entered, for example, with a coin to rotate the maneuvering element 10 by rotation around its axis of rotation 17.

In the plan view of figure 5 it has labeled the bottom of slot 28 above with the word "DES" (disconnection) and below with the inverted word "CON" (connection) to inform the user here about the activation status of the water flow limiter 9 (in the case represented "DES").

In the envelope of the cover section 7 in the Figures 1, 2 and 3 to the left is an opening 20 of circular cylindrical shape for the maneuvering element 10 by rotation. Along the inner enveloping surface of the opening 20 is extends a peripheral groove 21 that serves as a guide and interlocking for fins 15 of the maneuver element 10 by rotation.

To activate the water flow limiter 9, the maneuvering element 10 rotates by rotation so that the projection 22 with the insertion groove 18 be arranged below the axis of virtual turn 17 (figure 2).

If the mixer control 5 is tilted in the figure 1 up to increase the water flow, the projection 22 of the insert element 16 is then guided upwards in certain distance along the surface of the spherical bell 4 up to that said outgoing clash with the insertion soul 11. Due to the mechanical resistance in the mixer control 5 is informed user about the fact that, by continuing to swing said command Mixer 5, the area of a small water flow is abandoned.

The mixer control 5 can be tilted in greater measure up against the mechanical resistance of the elastic insert element 16 until the insertion core 11, in a second stage, fit into the groove of the 18. insert element 16 thus forms with the insertion soul 11 a locking device.

To adjust a large water flow it is tilted further to the right and upwards the mixer control 5 against of the mechanical resistance, so that the groove 18 is displaced beyond the insertion soul 11.

The rounded free end of the element of insert 16 facilitates its guidance on the core 11 when the mixer control 5 is tilted down again in figure 1 to reduce water flow.

To deactivate water flow limiter 9 the maneuvering element 10 is rotated by rotation so that the projection 22 in figure 3 be arranged above the virtual axis of rotation 17. When the mixer control 5 is tilted, the projection 22 does not touch then the soul of insert 11.

Together, the water flow limiter 9 it is sized and positioned so that in the activated state the insert element 16 projects so far in the direction of the surface of the mixing bell 4 that said element, when toggle the mixer control 5 both in the upward direction and in the downward direction, it hits the core of the socket 11. In all other tilting positions of the mixer control 5 the insert element 16 always keeps a small distance with with respect to the surface of the spherical bell 4.

In deactivated state of flow limiter 9 of water the insert 16 always keeps a distance somewhat larger with respect to the surface of the spherical bell 4, especially with respect to the insertion core 11.

In figures 6 and 7 a second is represented example of realization of a mixer mixer mixer 101 with a water flow limiter activated 109. The elements that are similar to those of the first embodiment described with help of figures 1 to 3 are provided with the same symbols of reference increased by 100, so that, for your description, reference is made to the explanations of the first example of realization. This embodiment example differs from the first because the elastic insert element 116 in its entirety is fixed, that is, closed, with both ends in a soul of retention 113, 114.

Starting from its upper end in Figure 7, which joins the right front side of retention soul 113, a first zone 116a of the insert element 116 extends towards down in a direction substantially perpendicular to the soul of retention 113.

In the area of a virtual axis of rotation 117 of the turn element 110 for rotation the engagement element 116 is curved up to the right in figure 7 forming an angle of approximately 135º, so that the first zone 116a is followed by a projection 122 comprising another five zones 116b, 116c, 116d, 116e and 116f. Due to this strong curvature a part is produced blown that improves the elastic nature of the insert element 116.

Behind the curvature, the insert element 116 runs straight obliquely to the right and upwards in the second zone 116b.

In approximately centered position between the virtual axis of rotation 117 and the edge of the maneuvering element 110 by turn that is in the upper position in figure 7, the insert element 116 is curved once more to the right at approximately 90º.

The next third zone 116c also straight is approximately half as long as the second straight zone 116b. In the end of the third straight zone 116c is provided a curvature additional 90º to the right. This is joined by the fourth zone also straight 116d, whose length corresponds approximately to the length of the first straight zone 116b.

The fourth straight zone 116d makes transition to an S-shaped zone 116e that begins with a left-hand curve which defines an insertion slot 118.

S-shaped zone 116e makes transition to the fifth straight zone 116f, whose end is connected with the soul of lower retention 114, so that the insert 116 is closed in its entirety.

Water flow limiter 109 is activated when the turning element 110 has been rotated until the insertion slot 118 in figure 7 is below the virtual axis of rotation 117.

When the insertion slot 118 is arranged above the virtual axis of rotation 117, which has not been represented, the water flow limiter is activated.

Water flow limiter 109 according to second embodiment example works otherwise analogous to water flow limiter 9 according to the first example of realization.

In Figures 8, 9 and 10 a third example of the realization of a single-lever mixer battery 210. Elements that are similar to those in the first example of embodiment described with the help of figures 1, 2 and 3 are provided with the same reference symbols increased by 200, so that, for its description, reference is made to the explanations of the first embodiment.

This embodiment example differs from first because the water flow limiter 209 has a insert element 216 which is made as a separate piece and comprising a prestressed angular element 260.

The angular element 260 is fixed with its upper end in figures 9 and 10 in a base body 212 of the water flow limiter 209 and is capable of tilting around an axis that runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. He base body 212 is fixedly arranged in an opening 220 of a section of lid 207.

The angular element 260 has a section constant transverse throughout its length. Following a upper straight area 261 in figures 9 and 10, which constitutes approximately two thirds of the length of angular element 260, an elbow 262 is found which, in the unstressed state of said element angular 260 (figure 10), runs along approximately 90º and it has a groove 218 in its right surface in Figures 9 and 10.

Next to elbow 262 is arranged a Straight area 263 lower in Figures 9 and 10.

On the left side of the lower end of the lower zone 263 is a recess 264 which, analogously to a hook, in the activated state of the water flow limiter 209 depicted in figure 9, held tightly under tension to the angular element 260 in a through immobilization hole 265 practiced in the area of the base body 212. Thus, the angular element 260 is extended against its pretense, with what that its area placed closer to the surface of the bell spherical 204, that is, elbow 262, always maintains a distance to the surface of the spherical bell 204, especially to a soul Insert 211.

To activate the water flow limiter 209 proceed with a pointed object, for example a screwdriver, to pull the hook 264 out of the locking hole 265, to the right in figure 9. Due to the prestressing of the element angular 264 now curves the lower area again 263 to return to its starting position itself. Given the the angular element 260 is mounted on a tiltable top, the elbow 262 is shifted here to the right (figure 10).

As soon as, by increasing the flow of water, the mixer knob 205 in figure 8 is tilted upwards until that elbow 262 reaches the core of insert 211, this soul of insert 211 is embedded in the slot 218 overcoming a mechanical strength.

Through mechanical resistance it is signaled to the user that the water flow has reached a value that satisfies normal requirements To further increase the flow of water you have that overcome the mechanical resistance so that the groove of insert 218 is displaced beyond the insert soul 211.

The water flow limiter 209 according to the third embodiment is factory disabled in the way that is depicted in figure 9. As soon as it has been activated, no it can be deactivated again without at least the mixer control 205 be separated from the mixer mixer 201.

Therefore, said limiter can be activated only once, for example during a first assembly of the mixer mixer 201.

A fourth example is shown in figure 11 of realization of a mixer mixer mixer 301 with a 309 water flow limiter. The elements that are similar to those of the first embodiment described with the help of Figures 1, 2 and 3 are provided with the same symbols of reference increased by 300, so that, for your description, reference is made to the explanations of the first example of realization.

Unlike the first embodiment, water flow limiter 309 presents in the fourth example of embodiment, instead of a maneuvering element 10 per rotation, a pressure maneuvering element 310 in a cover section 307.

The pressure maneuvering element 310 carries attached in figure 11 an elastic fitting 316 in its whole.

To activate the water flow limiter 309 the maneuvering element 310 in figure 11 is pushed towards the left towards the spherical bell 304. As soon as, by tilting up the mixer control 305 to increase the water flow, the fitting 316 reaches its free end a socket 311 on the surface of the spherical bell 304, said fitting collides with this soul. A resistance is thus generated mechanical that can be perceived in the mixer control 305.

To continue increasing the flow of water you have to overcome (represented with dashed line in figure 11) the mechanical resistance caused by the elastic coupling fitting 316

Water flow limiter 309 is deactivated by moving the pressure maneuvering element 310 in the Figure 11 to the right to move it away from spherical bell 304, with which the fitting 316 holds in all positions of tilt of the mixer control 305 a certain distance with with respect to the insertion soul 311.

In addition, in all embodiments it can also be provided that an acoustic signal is emitted so Soon as the insertion element exceeds the insertion core. The Signal can be generated mechanically or electrically.

Instead or in addition to the acoustic signal, you can an optical signal is provided. For example, it can be provided a luminescent medium, especially a luminescent diode, that is induced to radiate light as soon as the insert element reach the insertion core by increasing the flow of water. This way, the user is signaled that a water flow reigns that is greater than the normal value limited by the flow limiter of Water.

Instead of the luminescent medium, it can be done also visible a ring or similar, for example of color, so soon as the resistance of the water flow limiter is overcome and reign a large water flow.

A peephole can also be provided behind from which a liquid with an air bubble is found. According to position of the mixer control, the air bubble is in a peephole area designated with the word "savings" or in a area of said peephole designated with "lots of water".

Instead of the air bubble it can be arranged behind the sight glass a ball in which the Figures 1 and 2. The ball may have an eccentric center of gravity, with which, according to the position of the mixer control, the corresponding figure in the peephole.

Claims (11)

1. Sanitary faucet, especially single-lever mixer battery (1; 101; 201; 301), with a control element (5; 105, 205; 305) with which a water flow can be adjusted, and with a limiter (9 ; 109, 209; 309) water flow that limits the water flow to a value below the maximum value, the water flow limiter (9; 109; 209; 309) presenting a maneuvering element (10; 110; 264; 310) with which said limiter can be connected and / or disconnected, the limiter (9; 109; 209; 309) comprising an engaging device with an engaging core (11; 111; 211; 311) which it is arranged in a spherical bell (4; 104; 204; 304) that covers a housing space for a control cartridge (3; 103; 203; 303), and with an insert element (16; 116; 216; 316 ) which cooperates with the insertion core (11; 111; 211; 311) and which is arranged in or on the operating element (5; 105; 205; 305), characterized in that, when the limiter is connected (9; 109 ; 209; 3 09) of the water flow, the insert element (16; 116; 216; 316) can be pushed against a mechanical resistance beyond the insertion core (11; 111; 211; 311) in order to increase the water flow above the maximum value. 2. Sanitary faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating element (10; 110; 264; 310) arranged in or on the operating element (5; 105; 205; 305) is accessible from outside. 3. Sanitary faucet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating element (10; 110) of the water flow limiter (9; 109) can be rotated together with the fitting element (16; 116) around a virtual axis of rotation (17; 117). 4. Sanitary faucet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maneuvering element is a pressure maneuvering element (264; 310) and can be moved linearly. 5. Sanitary faucet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling device (16; 116; 216) is of two stages. 6. Sanitary faucet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling element (16; 116; 216) has an insertion groove (18; 118; 218) that cooperates with the insertion core (11; 111; 211) . 7. Sanitary faucet according to claim 6 as it relates to claim 3, characterized in that the coupling element (16; 116) has substantially a side of the virtual axis of rotation (17; 117) a projection (22; 122) in which the slot is formed (18; 118). 8. Sanitary fitting according to claim 6, characterized in that the coupling element (216) comprises a prestressed angular element (260) with at least one elbow (262) and the insertion groove (218) is arranged in the area of said elbow (262). 9. Sanitary faucet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a part of the limiter (9; 109; 209; 309) of the water flow presented by the insert (16; 116; 216; 316) is elastic. 10. Sanitary faucet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water flow limiter has an emitter of optical and / or acoustic signals. 11. Sanitary faucet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water flow limiter has an operation indicating device.